A comparative study on microstructure and properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with the various Cr doping methods

Abstract

In this work, the effects of chromium doping methods on the microstructures and properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets were investigated systematically. The results showed that the existence state of Cr element in the cermet was influenced by the different doping methods. The additive pure Cr powders might cause the appearance of Cr particles and solutions in the binder phase of cermets. However, with the addition of NiCr powders, the Cr element might distribute in the binder phase of cermet. The Cr3C2 addition could make Cr element disperse in the rim and binder phase. Moreover, the Cr atoms dissolved into binder phase might have the solid solution strengthening effect on the binder phase, which increased the hardness of cermets. The Cr element in binder phase could improve the oxidation resistance of cermets owing to the existence of chromium oxide layer in the internal oxidation region. Furthermore, the diffusion process of Mo atoms to the surface during oxidation was prevented by the dissolved Cr element in the binder phase, which led to the increased bonding strength between oxidation layer and unoxidized substrate. In addition, a larger amount NiCr powder addition had the excellent reinforcing effect on the corrosion resistance of cermets due to the appearance of stable chromium oxide film on the binder phase.